QUICK FACTS

Major: Philosophy

Graduation Year: 2019

Hometown: Clarksburg, CA

Activities: I am also a Brother of Beta Theta Pi, on recruitment committee for Beta Theta Pi Humanities Scholar, Legal Scholar, President of Hope Street, Member of the Legal Scholar Outreach Team, and a Student Representative for the Humanities Scholar program.

Matthew Spain

"Pacific is a school where you can find anything. Anything you want to get involved in or do, there is a chance for that here. This place, as it is more than a school, helps to make leaders stronger and good people better. This isn't a school or institution, for those words do not do it justice. Pacific is home."

Q: Why did you decide to come to Pacific?

A: I decided to come to Pacific because it felt like home. I had never heard of Pacific before a friend told me to apply because he loved his first year here. I had never set foot on campus until after I got accepted. I visited campus in February 2015 for a Humanities Scholar interview and knew by the end of the day that my number one choice, Baylor, and my coming acceptance of going there was now usurped by my new home of Pacific.

Q: Why did you choose to study Philosophy?

A: I have wanted to be a lawyer for a longtime. I was looking for a way to find a major that would best suit me for my upcoming career. I had always heard about philosophy, but did not know much about it. I had a teacher in high school who taught in a philosophical way through his Socratic method and also just the way he taught the class, and I instantly knew that it was the best major for me.

Q: What's your favorite Pacific memory?

A: I have many amazing memories here. For me, the one that stands out most is joining Greek life. Joining Beta is the best decision I have made in my adult life besides coming here to Pacific. I have also loved meeting the amazing people that go to this school and am thankful for the happenstance meetings that have turned into hopeful lifelong relationships.

Q: What would you tell a prospective student who wants to study Philosophy?

A: To someone who wants to study philosophy: do it. I feel it is a perfect fit for me with outstanding faculty who are some of the most amazing, smartest and genuine people I have ever met. Yes, the program is amazing and can help in so many beneficial ways. But a program, or anything, is only as successful as its weakest link. In the department, none such exists.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: Pacific is a school where you can find anything. Anything you want to get involved in or do, there is a chance for that here. This place, as it is more than a school, helps to make leaders stronger and good people better. This isn't a school or institution, for those words do not do it justice. Pacific is home.